It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Nonetheless, driving hours are the most significant cost factor. You should therefore apply for a German driver's license before this period for your foreign license expires if you wish to continue driving a car in Germany. In general, a practical exam takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It may take a couple of weeks to be able to go to Fhrerscheinstelle (local driving license office). Note: If you take driving lessons at a driving school in Germany, keep in mind that it will usually be in a car with a manual transmission (stick shift). The cost of a driving license in Germanyranges from 1,500 EUR to 3,000 EUR in total, with an average of 2,182 EUR. Please note: During yourasylum procedure, BAMF keeps all your documents and often returns them only at the end of the procedure. These are 522 questions about basic knowledge and 993 questions on more specific info. Read the section "Which documents do I need for the transfer?" Where do you go to get a German driving license? An extension for up to twelve months is possible if you prove your plans to leave Germany after this period. ; You will need a full, valid driver's license and usually a passport. The countries with special agreements are: On the website of the Bundesministerium der Justiz, you can find a comprehensive overview of all countries and the regulations that apply for: Not all of those follow the same rules, so please make sure to take a second look. A valid German driver's licence. Before the exam, it makes sense to visit a driving school. This drivers license is for all motorbikes up to a cubic capacity of 125. Copyright 2022 Lingoda All Rights Reserved, Level up your language skills with Lingoda. If you need to know more about the requirements of biometric pictures, I recommend you take a look at this guide. You will have to bring a recent biometric photo with you which will be used for your new German driving license. The theory test (Theorieprfung) is the written portion of the driving license application process and needs to be done through a driving school (Fahrschule). Class BE allows you to drive trailers or cars with a total load of 3,500 kilograms. After getting your driving license, you can finally buy a car in Germany or start using your existing one. How can I obtain a German driving licence? You don't need an International Driving Permit. A lot of providers also offer to take the eye-test and the photograph on the same day. If re-taking a practical driving test after 12 months, the theory test must be re-taken too. The price depends on the number of driving lessons you have to take. A well-known website states that you may use any driving license in Germany for up to six months if you are settling in Germany. If you think it is easier to simply acquire a license in a country where it is easier during a vacation, it wont work. At the beginning of the training, theory lessons are scheduled at the driving school. In this chapter, Id like to explain how you can exchange an existing drivers license in Germany, alongside the specific requirements. The theoretical exam, very often called Theorieprfung in Germany, is done at the driving school. *Texas is the only state with full reciprocity that requires an eye test. How much does obtaining a German driving licence cost? Getting a driving license in Germany. Go to your appointment and bring. Having a driving licence can be very useful. You used to have to be 18 years old to get a driver's license in Germany, but now you can get a preliminary license at 17. For licenses from all other Australian states, an up-to-date eye test is required. You can have the biometric passport photo taken at a local photo studio, for example. Classes B17, B96, and B196 are not independent . U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, however, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses. In this first appointment, the German Road Traffic Licensing Department will evaluate your documents and will approve or deny your request. Youll need it for your appointments with the Licensing Office and potentially also at your driving school if you need to go there. You may get penalty points for various traffic law violations, e.g. How can I file a complaint against an offender? If you want to obtain a drivers license in Germany, please make sure to follow the required steps. Continue reading to learn more about the different rules and regulations for getting or converting a driving licence in Germany. You can, however, only renew it in the country where it was issued. As an American ex-pat in Hamburg, I know well how much I missed driving in the US. Maybe you are lucky, and you can exchange or convert your existing license without taking a theoretical or practical exam. Cost example for German driving license without reciprocity, The German Autobahn [A Guide For First-timers], Taiwan (if the driving license was issued in the territory under the effective jurisdiction of the authorities in Tawai), Your passport or German ID card if you are already a German citizen (Personalausweis), Proof of how long you have had your current license (if this isnt displayed on the license), Eye-test certificate, not older than two years (as per your reciprocity agreement), Proof of completion of a first aid course, Eye-test certificate (not older than two years), To check your driving skills first and help you adapt to the German rules, To prevent you from failing the practical test and them from losing their status as a driving school with high passing rates, Check if the brake lights are working properly. Read all reviews about CosmosDirekt on Trustpilot. In this article, you will learn more about whether or not you can continue to use your original license, all the required documents in case you are obtaining a German license, how a German driving test is structured (there is a written exam and also a practical road test! - Drinking and driving is prohibited: The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 g alcohol/liter of blood. For a long time, Germany only has offered practical exams with manual transmissions, but from April 2021, students can do the test on automatic cars! The driver's license can cost over 1.500 in total (usually between 1.300 and 2.000, depending on the state). Few of these apps come for free, so it is best to ask your driving instructor for learning materials. During this, the examiner will set the route and give you various tasks, such as backing into a parking space, starting on an incline, or doing an emergency stop. For example, for the class B driving license, you will at least need 30 practical lessons according to the Verkehrswacht website. The final price depends on the number of lessons you need to complete. Yes, you can drive in Germany with a foreign driving license. The following countries havereciprocity agreementswith Germany: *Note:for the USA, the reciprocity agreement depends on the state in which the license holder is registered. If your license was issued in any of the following countries, you could simply exchange your foreign license for a German Class B license, which allows you to drive a regular car. Some questions might include things like: Once you pass your oral questions, you can then start your practical exam. These will include things like the various fluid levels of the car, the function and condition of the headlights, or the condition of the tires. You open an internet browser and type the word Fhrerscheinstelle + the place you live or you will live in Germany. This is extremely useful because the requirements differ per person. Keep in mind that this document is a German driver's license translation and only supplementary. If you are in the situation where you have to take both, the theoretical and practical exams to get a valid driving license in Germany, the costs vary depending on the Fhrerscheinklasse, the class of your driving license. Requirements include attending driving school and taking a written and practical exams. A driving license in Germany ranges from 1,500 to 3,000. Get ourFREEguide with 7 actionable hacks to save money while living in Germany. Currently, owners of a UK driving license are free to convert theirs to a German one, without taking a theoretical or practical test. Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous. You are not allowed to drive as long as your driving licence is held by the BAMF. Word of caution: The Driving Licence Office (Fhrerscheinstelle) in Dusseldorf is the only office to not accept the translation of a driving license from Lingoking. Have you ever wondered how to get a German driver's license at a certified driving school? Navigating the changes: German citizenship law in 2023, DB and SNCF announce direct train service between Berlin and Paris, Bundestag passes major reform to German immigration laws, July 2023: 9 changes affecting expats in Germany, Germany considers scrapping tax breaks for married couples. The practical test must be carried out by the student within 12 months after the theoretical exam. This means that if you stay less than six months, you dont have to convert your existing license to a German driving license. Complete German Driving license Guide with Useful Tips Here are the links to theStraenverkehrsamt or Fhrerscheinstelle for the major German cities for expats. If you receive more than ten minus points, you will fail the test. As soon as you obtained this license, you are allowed to transport people without an additional trailer (D1) or with an additional trailer (D1E) attached to the bus. If you already have a valid driving license from another country, whether it is valid in Germany or not depends on where it was issued. But if it costs more, the Jobcentre may require you to sell it and live off the proceeds before you can receive benefits. You can practice for the German driving license theory test in English via aweb appor anapp on your phone. There may be several correct answers to one question. How much does obtaining a German driving licence cost? If your driving license was issued by any of the below-listed states, you need to go through the entire process and all exams to attain a German driving license. What does a practical driving test look like? How to Get an A2 Driving License in Germany - DriveeGermany If you endanger traffic, drive while drunk or collected eight penalty points, you may lose your driving licence. Its quite simple. Compared to the cost of driving lessons, the fees for the actual theory and driving tests are not significant. Driving in Germany Requirements to Drive Drivers MUST have a U.S. Army Europe USAREUR license to drive in Germany, no exception. A biometric picture. How To Change A Car Insurance in Germany? You can make an appointment online or via phone. To drive a car in Germany, you will need a class B drivers license. If your average is 30 hours and one unit per week, it takes 15 weeks. Complete theoretical training (14 double hours for class B). The following documents have to be submitted along with your transfer application: Sometimes the driving licence authorities ask applicants for a certificate of good conduct (polizeiliches Fhrungszeugnis) as well. 1 If you live in Germany: You can drive in Germany until your licence expires. Regarding the costs, they will most likely be close to 2,000 Euros, if not above that price depending on how many hours you will need. In that case, you will be considered a new driver and have to abide by the first-time license holders. No translation is required for driving licences issued from the following countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland and Senegal. If you live in Germany and hold a valid full driving license issued by an EU / EEA country, you can stop reading, as your license isvalid in Germany until it expires. You can drive in Germany with a foreign driving licence. When do you need to get a German driving license? An international driver's license is not acceptable, nor can legally drive a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to arrive without one. If one fails the theory examination, the application fee for a new attempt is 22,49 EUR. Its also important to note thatlearning German to help with this processis highly recommended. If you park in the wrong place, you only have to pay a fine. In case of a withdrawal of a driving licence, your driving licence loses its validity. Even a foreign driving licence for cars is beneficial, so convert yours if necessary. If you get caught, you have to pay a fine of up to 1,500. Automatic vs Manual/Stick driver's license : r/germany - Reddit If you have passed the theory exam, you can take the driving test. Foreigners residing in Germany, as well as tourists, may use their driving licenses for up to 6 months. Before you receive your German driving license, you will need to give away your foreign license. If you have never had driving experience, you will need to attend a driving school. Driving licenses from categories C and D in Germany D. Please also provide the additionally required physical health or fitness test certificate. Below you can see an overview of all costs which are included in getting a driving license in Germany. To exchange your non-EU / EAA license for a German one, you need to make an appointment for Umschreiben eines auslndischen Fhrerscheins (Non-EU/Drittstaaten). In total, it costs 1,500 to 3,500 to get your driving licence. Make sure that you register for an appointment ahead. If youd like to learn more about obtaining this certification, please read my article: Registration in Germany (Anmeldung) Seen by a Foreigner. Original & Copy of your. Driving license in Germany: Everything you need to know Getting a German Driving Licence | German Guide4U Yvonne was born and raised in Germany and has lived in the United States, France, and Spain. Here is a real-life example from Jen, my wife from Guatemala, who got her German driving license in 2018 in Dusseldorf. In regard to the prices, they differ from region to region. Hey thanks for the input. If you want to know everything about a driving licence in Germany, you have come to the right place! In order to start the transfer process, you need to apply to the local Driving Licence Office (Fahrerlaubnisbehrde or Fhrerscheinstelle). To apply for a German driving license, you'll need to visit your local vehicle licence office, or in German: Fhrerscheinstelle. The device shows the driver's blood-alcohol level per mille. If you cannot simply convert your foreign driving permit or driving licenses from your home country into a German driving licence, you will have to take lessons and pass an examination in Germany. The test is typically taken in German, so in this case, you may need tolearn some Germanto communicate with the instructor. Are you wondering whether you can drive in Germany with your foreign driver's licence, the licence from your home country? Of course, this depends on your previous knowledge, talent, commitment and free time. Get German Driving License [Compete 2023 Guide] - Live In Germany . The practice materials for the A2 driving license cost around 20 to 30 euros . German Driving License Explained [How-to English Guide] - Simple Germany For Non-EU countries, different rules may apply, which I will explain in the next rows: The UK, as a former EU member state, still has a special agreement in place. highway, night or overland trips). Hence, you will need either to obtain a new drivers license or exchange your foreign permit for the German version. You can retake the test multiple times if you fail, but the more times you fail, the more time is required before you can take a new test. Or perhaps, you are about to receive driving lessons with a driving instructor at one of the official driving schools in Germany. In Germany, you can not learn to drive from your parents. What documents do you need to apply for a German driving license? Depending on where you live and the number of applicants, it may take a while before they process your application. A few helpful resources for studying for a theory test arelehrboegen.deandfuehrerschein-bestehen.de. According to a 2019 Quora thread, it cost around $85 Canadian dollars to renew a license $18.10 for the actual license fee, $56.87 for insurance, and an admin fee of $4.60. What can I do if the police discriminate[]. In order to exchange a foreign license in Germany driver will need to pass two exams: Yet, when applying for a driving license as a newbie, you will go to the driving school as all students do. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You have to be at least 16 years old. The availability of your driving school also plays a role here. Well, unless you look into getting a German driving license, you won't be able to continue driving on the Autobahn or anywhere for that matter sooner than you might expect. Provided you don't make too many minor mistakes and no serious ones, you pass the test. And this is what I am about to explain in the following chapters. The costs for the driving license BE are between 800 1,000 Euros. They can tell you more about the specific requirements to take an exam in Germany. You may be only one month younger than the minimum age for the appropriate driving licence class. So study hard for your theory exam. You can find a Driving Licence Office by using the search enginewww.meldebox.de. Keep in mind that a driving ban ("Fahrverbot") is not the same as a withdrawal of a driving licence ("Entzug des Fhrerscheins"). The Driving Licence Office then decides whether your driving licence can be transferred without a test, or you first have to take part in the theory and practical exams. Passez notre, Mejora tus habilidades lingsticas con Lingoda. Take the following documents with you when you register: Note: Learning materials are available as learning software, printed paper questionnaires, or textbooks. Therefore, driving hours are the most expensive element in getting a driving license in Germany. Driving in Germany is a privilege, not a right. If you regularly attend theory classes and take driving lessons, it will take 3 to 5 months to get your license. The costs sit approximately between 1,000 and 2,000 euro. The minimum required age is 18. If you want to know everything about a driving licence in Germany, you have come to the right place! In Germany, it costs 91,75 euros to take the practical test and 22,49 euros for the theory, a total of just over 114 euros. You can take a driving test in Germany and obtain a German licence. In fact, in medium-sized cities, people paid 2,237 EUR on average, and in big cities, 2,121 EUR for a B-class driving license. Register at a driving school (Fahrschule). There is no flat rate fee for a driver's license in Germany. In addition to that, you will have to take many practical lessons. Important info for Ukrainian refugees: Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion and have been granted temporary protection within the EU can continue to use their Ukrainian drivers license. A simple procedure on how to get your driver's license in Germany is also stated, so ensure that you make use of them. You will need to present the following documents to be allowed to take the theory test: The results of the theory test are valid for one year. That is why there are rules about how much alcohol drivers can have in their system when in cars, or on scooters and motorbikes. If you dont pass the exam on the first go, you can repeat it three times after two-week intervals. As I originally come from an EU country, the process of getting a driving license in Germany was relatively easy for me. Getting a German driving license can make it easier to rent cars in the EU, as well as providing more freedom and comfort while driving in Germany. To avoid such license tourism most cities in Germany require you to have lived in the country, which issued your license for 185 days or more. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Two German driver's licences are held up in front of a car. For us, language knows no boundaries. The cost of the theory lessons and the practical lessons make up the largest part of the total cost. Ultimately, the final price depends on various factors, such as the number of driving hours and the fees charged by the driving school. ID Card 2. In principle, the driving licence must be translated into German by a sworn translator. Class B96 allows you to drive small trailers with a total load of 4,250 kilograms including your car. How long does it take to get a driving license in Germany? German Driver's License Reciprocity - The German Way & More Take part in a first aid course (Erste Hilfe), Have your eyes checked by an optician or ophthalmologist (Sehtest), Training certificate issued by your driving school (if you never had a driving licence before). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For some driving licenses, you may need to carry an official translation with you. Please note:When you obtain a driving licence for the first time, as a beginner, you are going to be on a probationary period ("Probezeit ") for two years. The only countries in Europe that have a combined higher cost for both tests are Finland (125 euros), Ireland (130 euros), Switzerland (139 euros), the Netherlands (147 euros) and Norway (172 euros). How and where can I register my driving licence? If you ignore vital traffic rules, you may lose your driving licence. Once your driving teacher is confident that you will pass the practical exam, your driving school will make the appointment with the local TV. Having a driving license isnt a cheap pleasure in Germany. Register with the school and your local driving licence authority. Even if each driving lesson costs extra, you would be saving in the end. Class B Driving License in Germany. Luckily, the whole process can be done in English. I'm a bit confused, I looked up and it says the driving school must confirm that you took 10 lessons on manual gear to be able to have the Schlsselzahl 197 . She understands the struggle of settling in a new home and is happy to share simple services and tips on how things are done in her home country, to help expats get their German experience started. How to trade your foreign driver licence for a German one What documents you need to apply depends again on which country you come from. Driving licence in Germany - Wikipedia Yes, you can drive in Germany with a foreign driving license. Moreover, the costs might add up when students fail their first exams and need to redo them. If you have lost your driving licence due to driving under the influence ofalcohol, drug or medications, you have to do a medical and psychological examination (Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung or MPU) which is colloquially known as Idiotentest or idiots test. In fact, a driving exam is quite challenging to pass; according to statistics, 44% of students fail one of the examinations. Talk to the staff member responsible for you at the Jobcentre. by not staying on your side of the road), you can be fined or even imprisoned for as little as 0.3 per mille of alcohol. After you have completed the theory lessons, your school will register you for the exam, which is a written test. However, some driving schools have already switched to digital exercises, so that these costs can be eliminated. . The cost for an A2 license which allows you to drive motorbikes up to an engine power of 35 KW (roughly 47,6 horsepower) is between 1,000 2,000 euros. Depending on how profound you are in driving, you might need more or fewer hours of driving. Driving licenses from EU citizens and citizens of countries that are in the EEA the European Economic Area can initially be used for five years. Usually, it will take you several months to finish your drivers license in Germany. The examiner will ask you three questions about your car. The translation must have been done by a German or internationally recognized automobile club or an authority in your home country or by a sworn translator. Usually, the examiner sits in the back seat. I think each driving lesson (45 min) cost you about 60-70 nowadays. There is some training material available that you can order, to get some help for the practical exam: The TV Sd even allows you to take the exam in one of 12 foreign languages according to their website. As you can see, exchanging your foreign driving license for a German one is another bureaucratic and quite expensive act. There can be several correct answers to a question. Your residency in Germany is considered established under driving license law if you live here for at least 185 days a year. So apply on time, because only then you will be able to take your exams. This confrims that you are officially registered in Germany. 2 You don't need a translation or an International Driving Permit. Ideally, you can check with them beforehand via e-mail or telephone. Later, a driver must pass a theoretical and practical test to get a German permit. 1. You can read more about the transfer process in the section "Where and how can I have my driving licence transferred?".